Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computing device comprising: a battery system comprising: multiple batteries including a first battery and a second battery; and a power controller; and a power manager module configured to: determine a current charge cycle count difference between the first battery and the second battery, the current charge cycle count difference reflecting a difference between a first charge cycle count of the first battery and a second charge cycle count of the second battery; based at least on the current charge cycle count difference between the first battery and the second battery, determine a particular threshold charge level of the second battery at which to begin discharging the first battery; compare a current charge level of the second battery to the particular threshold charge level; when the current charge level of the second battery exceeds the particular threshold charge level, cause the power controller to service a system load of the computing device by discharging the second battery without discharging the first battery; and after the current charge level of the second battery falls below the particular threshold charge level, cause the power controller to service the system load of the computing device by discharging both the first battery and the second battery.
This invention relates to battery management in computing devices with multiple batteries, addressing the problem of uneven battery wear and degradation. The system includes a battery system with multiple batteries (e.g., a first and second battery) and a power controller, along with a power manager module. The power manager monitors the charge cycle counts of each battery to determine their usage disparity. It calculates a threshold charge level for the second battery based on this difference, ensuring the first battery is only discharged when the second battery's charge falls below this threshold. Initially, the system prioritizes discharging the second battery alone until its charge drops below the threshold, at which point both batteries are discharged together. This approach balances battery wear by dynamically adjusting discharge patterns, extending overall battery lifespan. The power controller executes these discharge commands, ensuring efficient load distribution between batteries. The system avoids overusing one battery, mitigating degradation and improving longevity.
2. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the power manager module is further configured to: access a data table that maps multiple tiers of charge cycle count differences to multiple threshold charge levels of the second battery at which to begin discharging the first battery; and select the particular threshold charge level from the data table when the current charge cycle count difference falls within a particular tier of charge cycle count differences in the data table.
This invention relates to battery management in computing devices with multiple batteries, addressing the challenge of optimizing battery lifespan and performance. The system includes a power manager module that monitors charge cycle counts of a primary and secondary battery to determine their relative wear levels. The module accesses a data table that maps different ranges (tiers) of charge cycle count differences between the batteries to specific threshold charge levels of the secondary battery. When the current charge cycle count difference falls within a particular tier, the module selects the corresponding threshold charge level from the table. This threshold determines when to begin discharging the primary battery, ensuring balanced wear between the batteries. The data table allows dynamic adjustment of discharge thresholds based on battery wear, extending overall battery lifespan. The system may also include a battery health monitor to track charge cycles and a power controller to manage battery discharge. The invention improves battery longevity by dynamically adapting discharge strategies to current wear conditions.
3. The computing device of claim 2 , wherein the power manager module is further configured to cause the power controller to charge the first battery to a predetermined charge level before charging the second battery.
This invention relates to computing devices with multiple batteries and a power management system that optimizes charging sequences. The problem addressed is inefficient battery charging in multi-battery systems, which can lead to uneven wear, reduced lifespan, or suboptimal performance. The solution involves a power manager module that controls a power controller to prioritize charging one battery before another. Specifically, the power manager ensures the first battery is charged to a predetermined level before initiating charging of the second battery. This approach prevents overcharging or undercharging of either battery, balances wear across both, and maintains system reliability. The power controller interfaces with both batteries and adjusts charging parameters based on the power manager's instructions. The system may also include a power source, such as an external charger or internal power supply, that provides energy to the batteries under the power manager's control. This method extends battery life, improves efficiency, and ensures consistent performance in devices with multiple batteries.
4. The computing device of claim 2 , wherein the data table comprises at least three different tiers of charge cycle count differences and at least three different threshold charge levels of the second battery at which to begin discharging the first battery.
This invention relates to computing devices with dual-battery systems designed to optimize battery usage and extend overall lifespan. The problem addressed is the uneven wear of batteries in multi-battery systems, where one battery may degrade faster due to inconsistent charging and discharging patterns. The solution involves a computing device with a first battery and a second battery, where the device monitors charge cycle counts and adjusts power distribution between the batteries based on predefined thresholds. The device includes a data table that categorizes charge cycle count differences into at least three distinct tiers, representing varying degrees of imbalance between the batteries. Additionally, the table defines at least three different threshold charge levels for the second battery, which trigger the discharge of the first battery. This tiered approach ensures that power distribution is dynamically adjusted based on the current state of the batteries, preventing excessive wear on a single battery. The system actively balances usage by discharging the first battery when the second battery reaches specific charge thresholds, thereby promoting even degradation and prolonging the overall lifespan of both batteries. This method is particularly useful in portable computing devices where battery longevity is critical.
5. The computing device of claim 2 , wherein the threshold charge levels in the data table increase numerically as the charge cycle count differences in the data table decrease.
A computing device monitors and manages battery health by tracking charge cycle counts and adjusting threshold charge levels based on battery degradation. The device includes a data table that stores charge cycle count differences and corresponding threshold charge levels for a battery. The threshold charge levels are dynamically adjusted to increase numerically as the charge cycle count differences decrease, indicating battery aging. This ensures accurate battery health assessment by accounting for variations in degradation rates. The device also includes a processor that accesses the data table to determine the threshold charge levels based on the stored charge cycle count differences. The processor then compares the battery's current charge level to these threshold charge levels to assess battery health and adjust charging or discharging behavior accordingly. This approach improves battery longevity by preventing overcharging or deep discharging as the battery ages. The system may also include a memory for storing the data table and a communication interface for transmitting battery health data to external systems. The dynamic adjustment of threshold charge levels ensures precise battery management, reducing the risk of premature battery failure.
6. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the power manager module is further configured to: after the current charge level of the second battery falls below the particular threshold charge level, cause the power controller to service the system load of the computing device by discharging both the first battery and the second battery so that the first battery and the second battery reach a common predetermined charge level at approximately the same time.
A computing device includes a power management system designed to optimize battery usage in devices with multiple batteries. The system addresses the problem of inefficient battery discharge, where batteries may deplete unevenly, leading to reduced overall runtime and potential performance degradation. The device includes a power manager module that monitors the charge levels of at least two batteries and a power controller that regulates power distribution. The power manager module is configured to detect when the charge level of a second battery falls below a predefined threshold. In response, the power controller adjusts the discharge rates of both batteries to ensure they reach a common predetermined charge level simultaneously. This synchronized discharge prevents one battery from being overused while the other remains underutilized, extending the device's operational time and maintaining consistent performance. The system dynamically balances the load between batteries, ensuring efficient energy consumption and prolonging battery lifespan. This approach is particularly useful in portable devices where battery life and performance are critical.
7. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the power manager module is further configured to: cause the power controller to prioritize the first battery by preferentially keeping the first battery charged relative to the second battery.
A computing device with a power management system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing multiple batteries to extend overall device runtime. The system includes a power manager module that controls a power controller to regulate charging and discharging of at least two batteries. The power manager module is configured to prioritize one battery over another by preferentially maintaining its charge level relative to the second battery. This prioritization ensures that the first battery remains at a higher state of charge, which can be useful for scenarios where one battery is more critical for immediate power supply or has a higher capacity. The power controller may adjust charging currents or voltages to achieve this preferential charging, ensuring the first battery is kept charged while the second battery may be allowed to discharge more. This approach optimizes battery usage, prolongs overall system runtime, and prevents deep discharge of the prioritized battery, which can degrade its lifespan. The system may also include monitoring components to track battery health and adjust prioritization dynamically based on usage patterns or environmental conditions.
8. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the particular threshold charge level is specified as a percentage relative to full charge of the second battery.
A computing device includes a first battery and a second battery, where the second battery is used to power the device when the first battery is depleted. The device monitors the charge level of the second battery and compares it to a predefined threshold. When the second battery's charge level falls below this threshold, the device initiates a power-saving mode to conserve energy. The threshold is defined as a percentage of the second battery's full charge capacity, allowing for flexible adjustment based on different usage scenarios. This ensures that the device remains operational for a longer duration when relying solely on the second battery, addressing the problem of unexpected power loss due to insufficient backup power. The system dynamically adjusts power consumption to extend runtime, improving reliability in scenarios where the primary battery is unavailable. The threshold can be configured to balance between performance and battery longevity, depending on user or system requirements. This approach is particularly useful in portable devices where uninterrupted operation is critical, such as medical equipment, industrial tools, or emergency communication devices. The invention enhances battery management by providing a scalable and adaptive solution to power conservation.
9. The computing device of claim 8 , wherein the power manager module is further configured to: determine the current charge cycle count difference by subtracting the second charge cycle count of the second battery from the first charge cycle count of the first battery.
A computing device includes a power manager module that monitors and manages the charge cycles of multiple batteries, such as a primary and secondary battery. The power manager module tracks the charge cycle counts of each battery to optimize power distribution and extend battery lifespan. The module determines the current charge cycle count difference by subtracting the charge cycle count of the secondary battery from that of the primary battery. This difference helps the module decide which battery to prioritize for charging or discharging to balance wear and maintain overall system efficiency. The power manager module may also adjust power distribution based on the charge cycle counts to prevent excessive degradation of any single battery. This approach ensures that both batteries are used evenly, prolonging their useful life and improving the reliability of the computing device. The system is particularly useful in devices requiring long-term battery performance, such as portable electronics or backup power systems.
10. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the second battery is a supplemental battery pack.
A computing device includes a primary battery and a supplemental battery pack. The primary battery provides power to the device, while the supplemental battery pack is designed to extend the device's operational time. The supplemental battery pack is detachably connected to the computing device, allowing for easy removal and replacement. The device includes a power management system that monitors the charge levels of both the primary battery and the supplemental battery pack. When the primary battery's charge falls below a predetermined threshold, the power management system automatically switches to using the supplemental battery pack to power the device. The power management system also ensures that the supplemental battery pack is charged when connected to an external power source, prioritizing the primary battery's charge first. This system allows for uninterrupted operation of the computing device by seamlessly transitioning between the primary battery and the supplemental battery pack. The supplemental battery pack may be designed to be compact and portable, enabling users to carry it separately for extended use. The computing device may include a user interface to display the charge status of both the primary battery and the supplemental battery pack, allowing users to monitor and manage power usage efficiently. This configuration enhances the device's battery life and provides flexibility in power management.
11. The computing device of claim 1 , further comprising a processor and storage storing instrutions which, when executed by the processor, implement the power manager module.
A computing device includes a power manager module that dynamically adjusts power states of components based on usage patterns and environmental conditions. The device monitors component activity, such as processor load, memory access, and peripheral usage, to predict future power demands. It also evaluates external factors like ambient temperature and battery health to optimize energy efficiency. The power manager module selectively transitions components between active, idle, and low-power states to minimize energy consumption while maintaining performance. It may prioritize critical tasks during power constraints and defer non-essential operations. The system learns usage patterns over time to refine power management strategies. The device may also include a thermal management module that coordinates with the power manager to prevent overheating by adjusting power states or throttling performance. The power manager can integrate with operating system APIs to enforce power policies across software applications. The overall system aims to extend battery life in portable devices and reduce energy costs in stationary systems while ensuring reliable operation.
12. The computing device of claim 1 , wherein the power manager module comprises at least one of an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array, or a complex programmable logic device.
A computing device includes a power manager module designed to optimize energy consumption. The power manager module is implemented using specialized hardware components, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). These components enable efficient power management by dynamically adjusting system resources based on workload demands, reducing unnecessary energy usage while maintaining performance. The module may also integrate with other system components to monitor and control power distribution, ensuring optimal efficiency across different operational states. This hardware-based approach provides faster response times and lower power overhead compared to software-based solutions, making it suitable for high-performance and energy-sensitive applications. The computing device leverages these specialized circuits to enhance overall power efficiency without compromising functionality.
13. A method implemented by a computing device, the method comprising: acquiring data indicative of cycle counts for multiple batteries of a battery system for the computing device; indentifying differences in the cycle counts between different batteries of the multiple batteries; establishing different tiers of the differences in the cycle counts, the different tiers including a first tier corresponding to the difference in the cycle counts being greater than a first threshold value, a second tier corresponding to the difference in the cycle counts eing greater than a second thershold value and less than the first threshold value, and a third tier corresponding to the difference in the cycle counts being less than the second threshold value; adjusting a policy used to control charging and discharging of the multiple batteries to account for the identified differences and balance the differences in the cycle counts to within a designated target range, the adjusting comprising correlating a control mode to one of the different tiers of the differences in the cycle counts, and selcting the conrol mode to control the charging and discharging of the multiple batteries; and discharging at least one of the batteries according to the selected control mode.
Battery systems in computing devices often use multiple batteries to extend runtime, but differences in cycle counts between batteries can lead to uneven wear and reduced overall lifespan. This invention addresses this problem by monitoring cycle counts of multiple batteries in a system and dynamically adjusting charging and discharging policies to balance their usage. The method involves acquiring data on cycle counts for each battery in the system and identifying differences between them. These differences are categorized into tiers based on predefined threshold values. A first tier applies when the difference exceeds a higher threshold, a second tier applies when the difference is between the higher and a lower threshold, and a third tier applies when the difference is below the lower threshold. Based on the tiered differences, a control mode is selected to adjust the charging and discharging policy. The policy ensures that the cycle count differences are balanced within a designated target range, extending the overall lifespan of the battery system. The selected control mode is then applied to discharge at least one battery accordingly. This approach optimizes battery usage by accounting for variations in wear, improving efficiency and longevity.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein adjusting the policy comprises setting values of control paramters for power management of the battery system in dependence upon the identified differences in the cycle counts between the different batteries of the multiple batteries.
This invention relates to power management in battery systems, specifically addressing the challenge of optimizing battery performance and longevity in systems with multiple batteries. The method involves monitoring and comparing cycle counts of individual batteries within a multi-battery system to identify discrepancies in their usage levels. Based on these differences, the system adjusts power management policies by setting control parameters for each battery. These parameters regulate charging, discharging, and other operational aspects to balance usage and extend the overall lifespan of the battery system. The adjustment process ensures that batteries with lower cycle counts are utilized more frequently, while those with higher cycle counts are preserved, thereby maintaining system efficiency and reliability. The method dynamically adapts to real-time usage data, allowing for continuous optimization of battery performance. This approach is particularly useful in applications where battery longevity and consistent performance are critical, such as electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronic devices. By dynamically adjusting power management policies based on battery cycle count differences, the system prevents premature degradation of individual batteries and enhances the overall durability of the battery system.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein acquiring the data indicative of the cycle counts comprises tracking the cycle counts for baterry charges and discharges via an operating system of the computing device.
A method for monitoring battery health in computing devices involves tracking cycle counts for battery charges and discharges through the device's operating system. The operating system records each full charge and discharge cycle, which is used to assess battery degradation over time. This data is then analyzed to determine the battery's remaining capacity and predict its lifespan. The method ensures accurate cycle counting by leveraging the operating system's built-in tracking capabilities, eliminating the need for external hardware or manual logging. By continuously monitoring these cycles, the system can provide real-time insights into battery performance, helping users and manufacturers optimize usage and maintenance. This approach improves battery management by providing precise, automated tracking of cycle counts, which is critical for assessing long-term battery health and reliability. The method is particularly useful for portable devices where battery performance directly impacts usability and longevity.
16. The method of claim 13 , wherein acquiring the data indicative of the cycle counts comprises obtaining notifications regarding the cycle counts from batteries of the multiple batteries configured to maintain information regarding the cycle counts and supply the information to facilitate power management decisions.
This invention relates to power management systems for battery-powered devices, particularly those using multiple batteries. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and timely data on battery cycle counts to optimize power management decisions. Cycle counts are a critical metric for assessing battery health and remaining capacity, but traditional systems often lack real-time or direct access to this data, leading to inefficient power usage or premature battery replacement. The invention provides a method for acquiring cycle count data from multiple batteries in a system. Each battery is configured to maintain and report its own cycle count information. The system obtains notifications or updates from these batteries, either periodically or in response to specific events, to gather the latest cycle count data. This data is then used to make informed power management decisions, such as load balancing, charging prioritization, or battery replacement scheduling. By directly accessing cycle count data from the batteries themselves, the system ensures accuracy and reduces reliance on estimated or outdated values. This approach improves overall system efficiency, extends battery life, and reduces operational costs. The method is particularly useful in applications where multiple batteries are used in parallel or redundant configurations, such as in data centers, electric vehicles, or renewable energy storage systems.
17. The method of claim 13 , wherein adjusting the policy comprises specifying a priority for each of the multiple batteries based at least on the differences in the cycle counts.
This invention relates to battery management systems for electric vehicles or energy storage systems, focusing on optimizing battery usage to extend overall lifespan. The problem addressed is uneven wear among multiple batteries in a system, which can lead to premature failure of some batteries while others remain underutilized. The invention provides a method to adjust a battery management policy by prioritizing batteries based on their cycle counts, ensuring more balanced usage and prolonged system lifespan. The method involves monitoring the cycle counts of multiple batteries in a system, where cycle count refers to the number of charge-discharge cycles a battery has undergone. By comparing these counts, the system identifies differences in wear levels. The policy adjustment step then assigns a priority to each battery, favoring those with lower cycle counts to distribute usage more evenly. This prevents overuse of certain batteries while others remain underutilized, improving overall efficiency and longevity. The method may also include additional steps such as determining state of charge (SOC) or state of health (SOH) of the batteries to further refine the priority assignment. The system dynamically adjusts the policy in real-time or periodically to adapt to changing conditions, ensuring continuous optimization. This approach is particularly useful in applications where multiple batteries are connected in parallel or series, such as electric vehicles, grid storage, or renewable energy systems. The invention enhances reliability and cost-effectiveness by maximizing the useful life of the entire battery system.
18. A method performed by a computing device, the method comprising: determining a current charge cycle count difference between a first battery and a second battery, the current charge cycle count difference reflecting a difference between a number of charge cycles of the first battery and a number of charge cycles of the second battery; based at least on the current charge cycle count difference between the first battery and the second battery, determining a particular threshold charge level of the second battery at which to begin discharging the first battery; comparing a current charge level of the second battery to the particular threshold charge level; when the current charge level of the second battery exceeds the particular threshold charge level, servicing a load by discharging the second battery without discharging the first battery; and after the current charge level of the second battery falls below the particular threshold charge level, servicing the load by discharging both the first battery and the second battery.
This invention relates to battery management systems for devices with multiple batteries, addressing the challenge of balancing battery wear and extending overall system lifespan. The method involves monitoring the charge cycle counts of two batteries to determine their relative usage levels. A threshold charge level for the second battery is dynamically set based on the difference in charge cycles between the two batteries. When the second battery's charge exceeds this threshold, only the second battery is used to power the device. Once the second battery's charge falls below the threshold, both batteries are discharged simultaneously. This approach ensures that the battery with fewer charge cycles is used more frequently, reducing wear disparity and prolonging the lifespan of both batteries. The system adapts to changing battery conditions by continuously adjusting the threshold based on real-time charge cycle differences, optimizing energy distribution without requiring manual intervention. The method is particularly useful in portable devices, electric vehicles, and other applications where battery longevity is critical.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the load is a system load of the computing device.
A computing device monitors and manages system load to optimize performance and resource allocation. The system load represents the overall demand on the computing device's resources, such as CPU, memory, and storage. The device includes a load monitoring module that continuously tracks the system load, identifying periods of high demand that could degrade performance. When the system load exceeds a predefined threshold, the device triggers a load balancing mechanism to redistribute tasks or resources, ensuring efficient operation. This may involve prioritizing critical processes, offloading tasks to other devices, or adjusting resource allocation dynamically. The method ensures that the computing device maintains optimal performance under varying workload conditions, preventing bottlenecks and improving responsiveness. The system load is dynamically adjusted based on real-time usage patterns, allowing the device to adapt to changing demands efficiently. This approach enhances overall system stability and user experience by proactively managing resource utilization.
20. The method of claim 18 , further comprising: storing a data structure that maps multiple tiers of charge cycle count differences to multiple threshold charge levels at which to begin discharging the first battery; and selecting the particular threshold charge level from the data structure when the current charge cycle difference falls within a particular tier of cycle count differences in the data structure.
The invention relates to battery management systems, specifically optimizing battery discharge cycles to extend battery lifespan. The problem addressed is the degradation of batteries due to repeated charge cycles, particularly in multi-battery systems where balancing charge levels is critical. The invention provides a method to dynamically adjust discharge thresholds based on charge cycle differences between batteries, ensuring balanced wear and prolonging overall battery health. The method involves monitoring charge cycle counts for multiple batteries and calculating differences between their cycle counts. A data structure is stored that maps multiple tiers of charge cycle count differences to corresponding threshold charge levels. When the current charge cycle difference falls within a specific tier, the system selects the corresponding threshold charge level from the data structure. This threshold determines when to begin discharging a battery, ensuring that discharge occurs at optimal times to minimize degradation. The method also includes adjusting discharge rates based on the selected threshold, ensuring that discharge is controlled to maintain balance between batteries. By dynamically selecting discharge thresholds based on cycle count differences, the system prevents excessive wear on any single battery, extending the overall lifespan of the battery system. The approach is particularly useful in applications requiring long-term battery reliability, such as electric vehicles or renewable energy storage systems.
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March 17, 2020
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